‘Lydney back to winning ways.’
Report and Pictures by Roger Pike
Lydney 28 Chew Valley 16
Starting 2026 in forth it was important Lydney got back to winning ways after a below par December writes Roger Pike. However, a derby game against Chew Valley was not going to be an easy task, Sam Arnott made a few changes due to continuing injuries; Jake Powels started at scrum half, Charlie Beddis moved to outside half and Alex Nelmes returned at full back. Harvey Heaven and Joe Hamlin joined Alfie Serles as the replacements. Lydney put in a solid performance and ran out deserved winners without being spectacular. They had numerous injuries during the game ending with 14 players; this disrupted their momentum but with true Lydney grit they manged the second half well to close out the game.
After a close opening, the Lydney pack again dominated proceedings which proved a catalyst all afternoon. Winning a penalty Charlie Beddis kicked to the 10m line, with a good drive from a Zak Williams catch the pack powered over and Nick Selway touched down, Beddis added the conversion 7 – 0. As expected, Chew replied and looked dangerous in the backs, a good move saw them cross the line but the Official gave a held-up decision. Back on the attack they won a penalty which Ben Alvis knocked over for 7 – 3. With 20 minutes gone the game became even with Chew looking dangerous, only a great Kyle Frowen turnover and a Danny Hodge lineout take stopped them having a further score. The hosts then started to look dangerous with Beddis spinning the ball around and some solid runs from Dunn and Nelmes making huge ground in the Chew half but the hosts missed some scoring opportunities. Following a good backs move the visitors got deep into the Lydney 22m area but a lost ball saw Beddis collect and run the length of the pitch to touch down under the posts, extras added for 14 – 3. Harvey Hevan came off the bench and made an immediate impact with some good tackles and a superb break which was unlucky not to result in a try. With the half ending the visitors won a penalty which Adis kicked to end the half 14 – 6.
The hosts started strongly in the second period with Dunn, Price and Beddis again making good ground, from a ruck on the 22m line prop James Bonia picked up and burst through the defence to score, Beddis added the conversion 21 – 6. Tom Rowe who was having a good game picked up a dislocated finger and Joe Hamlin came on as Lydney rotated their bench. Another Chew penalty saw the score close to 21 – 9. The visitors were having their best spell of the game, only solid defence from Price, Frowen and Heaven kept the visitors out. Another injury saw Beddis off and Hamlin move to outside half with forward Heaven into the centre, Rowe also returned bandaged up. The visitors continued to look dangerous and were soon camped on the Lydney try line, the ball was spun out and Harry Stride scored, conversion added 21 – 16 and a nervous last 15 minutes for the hosts. With all their changes Lydney showed some real grit and got back in the game with a good 10-minute spell only to see captain Ben Large leave the field with a shoulder injury. Winning a penalty Hamlin kicked to the 22m line and the resulting line out saw the forwards rampage to the line and a collapse giving the official no option but to award a penalty try 28 – 16. Further injuries saw Selway off and Mullis having to play hooker and Hodge moved to the flank with a back injury however the hosts remained dominant in the pack to see out the game for the 5 points.
Director of Rugby Sam Arnott commented ‘Pleased with the 5 points after recent results, we had a good first half but missed some easy opportunities which would have put the game out of sight. Our set piece was again good but really pleased with our spirt to dig in when the numerous injuries upset our momentum. Next week we have another derby fixture travelling to face Matson who for sure will provide a very tough test having lost at Regentsholme earlier in the season.’
Lydney – Rowan Mullis, Nick Selway, James Bonia, Danny Hodge, Jack Cuthbert, Zak Williams, Kyle Frowen, Pat Hanslow, Jake Powles, Charlie Beddis, Tom Rowe, Ben Large©, Danny Price, Brad Dunn, Alex Nelmes. Replacements, Harvey Heaven, Joe Hamlin, Alfie Searles. 
